We all have that one friend or relative who swears by a specific diet rule or digestive trick. Maybe they told you that gum stays in your stomach for seven years, or that spicy food causes ulcers. While they mean well, a lot of this advice is just old folklore dressed up as fact. It’s time to separate the helpful habits from the common digestive myths that might be slowing you down so you can feel your best.
Myth: Spicy Food Causes Ulcers
For decades, people blamed jalapeños and hot sauce for painful stomach ulcers. If you love a good curry, you can relax a little because spicy foods don’t cause ulcers. Most ulcers result from an infection with the bacterium H. pylori or from long-term use of pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. While that extra-hot salsa might irritate an existing problem or trigger heartburn, it isn’t the villain creating the ulcer in the first place.
Myth: You Must Poop Every Single Day
There is a widespread belief that if you don’t poop every day, something is wrong. The truth is, “normal” varies wildly from person to person. Some folks go three times a day, while others go three times a week. As long as you feel comfortable and aren’t straining, your schedule is likely fine. However, if things do get backed up occasionally, knowing what bisacodyl suppositories are and when to use them or other laxatives can help you find relief when diet and exercise aren’t quite enough.
Myth: Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
This is perhaps the classic playground legend that followed us into adulthood. The idea of a wad of gum camping out in your intestines for nearly a decade is terrifying, but false. While your body cannot digest the rubbery base of gum, it doesn’t just sit there. Your digestive system moves it along just like fiber or corn kernels. It comes out the other end a few days later, intact but definitely not lingering for years.
Myth: Beans Are the Only Gas Culprit
Beans have a bad reputation, but they aren’t the only food that causes bloating. Dairy products can be a major source of gas as we age, especially since our bodies produce less lactase enzyme over time. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, while healthy, are also notorious gas producers because they contain complex sugars that are hard to break down. Blaming the beans might mean you’re ignoring the cheese or the side of Brussels sprouts.
Navigating gut health doesn’t have to be a guessing game filled with old wives’ tales. By busting these misconceptions, you can make smarter choices about what you eat and how you manage your health. Ignoring these common digestive myths that might be slowing you down is the first step toward a happier, healthier gut.
